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Book Review: House of Salt and Sorrows

For those of you interested in a young adult fairy tale romance that may just sweep you off your feet!

Erin A. Craig brings us a breathtaking story that will capture the hearts of those who cherish fairytales, new love, and the chaotic charms of family.

The characters are so openly full of life and personality that, before long, you’ll find yourself on a spellbinding path through the breathless wonder of pure imagination.


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House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

One family’s beautifully heartbreaking journey through loss.

I was immediately swept away in the stunning detail and artfully designed world building that Erin A. Craig brings us. 
The heartbreaking grief, devotion to family, and Annaleigh’s determination to reveal the truth behind her sister’s tragic deaths and save what family remains..

“My sister’s death had not been an accident. It had not been part of some dark curse.

She was murdered.

And I was going to prove it.”

― Erin A. Craig, House of Salt and Sorrows

Annaleigh is a caring, headstrong young woman with a quick intelligence that will become her greatest asset in unraveling the riddle behind their family curse.

She’s devoted to assuring everyone’s happiness and is often the voice of reason in the group. A fierce desire to protect her remaining sisters makes her more cautious than she would normally be and, while she’s not the eldest of her sisters, she fulfills the role of caretaker with little complaint.

Cassius, the insta-love interest.. Seemed pretty Disney to me. I expected a male hair toss in slow-mo at any moment. He’s handsome, romantic, and overcome by his affection towards Annaliegh. It’s a sweet, old fashioned kind of love. I prefer my male characters to be a little less tidy and agreeable but.. if you want Prince Charming? Look no further.

“All my life has been moonlight and the stars. I can smell the sunlight racing through your veins from across a room. Sunlight and heat and salt. Always the salt,”

― Erin A. Craig, House of Salt and Sorrows

Her oldest sister Camille is wild and reckless. She wants the freedom to enjoy all the wonder of being a young, beautiful woman in good standing, while demanding the respect her position should offer but maturity lacks. A lot of resentment towards her step mother causes contention between many of the others.

The mystifying sense of disconnecting from reality and following these girls into a magic so stunning and unique is an experience of it’s own.

“Nights like this were meant to be shared, remembered, and talked about for years. Skies like this were meant to be kissed under.”

― Erin A. Craig, House of Salt and Sorrows

Four and Half Stars!

Half a star was deducted because I want to be shaken up, put on the edge of my seat, and completely unaware of what awaits me.. And I feel like that wasn’t entirely accomplished here.

Pet Peeve: It was easy for me to predict early on certain details of their curse, where that would lead, and how the book would ultimately tie things together. It’s unfortunate but not altogether surprising. Fairytales are expected to be a tad predictable.. It’s just less satisfying.


The author created something truly special here and I would recommend this book a thousand times over to any fans of stunning writing, young love, and the strength found in family.

This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. Leah's Books

    I really enjoyed this book, even if some parts were a little predictable. It had such a great ambiance to it. Great review!

    1. Sheri Dye

      That was my biggest issue too! Craig definitely knows how to make a story come alive, her writing is beautiful.
      And thank you, I’m glad you liked it! Have a wonderful day!

  2. Carla

    This sounds like a great story. Thanks for the great review, I am adding this one to my TBR.

    1. Sheri Dye

      Awh, thanks so much! It’s just written so beautifully. I hope you enjoy it! 😊

  3. Teri Polen

    This was an atmospheric read I enjoyed – matches the cover perfectly. Nice review!

    1. Sheri Dye

      Craig’s writing is gorgeous. Hands down my favorite part. Everything else was enjoyable but her writing made it something else.
      Thanks so much for stopping by! Have an amazing day!🌹

  4. D. Wallace Peach

    Interesting review, Sheri. I love the cover and have considered it for that reason alone! Lol. But I’ve seen insta-love mentioned in other reviews as well as being able to anticipate the arc of the story. It seems to be a challenge with fairytale retellings. On the other hand, I love beautiful writing! Thanks so much for the recommendation. 🙂

    1. Sheri Dye

      Strangely, for a fairytale? There was very little actual romance. The story mostly revolves around the sisters, the curse, and family.
      And the covers are something else these days. I know they weren’t this gorgeous ten-fifteen years ago. Now I feel old.
      Anyway! Thank you so much! I really hope that if you do read this.. that you enjoy it! ☺

      1. D. Wallace Peach

        Well that’s good to know. Yeah, those covers. Hard to resist!

        1. Sheri Dye

          If only you could judge a book by it’s cover.. it would make finding the next one to read much easier. 😅

          1. D. Wallace Peach

            True. I rely on blogger reviews, which seems to work well. 🙂

  5. Athena C

    Ooh I just bought this one recently off book outlet, might need to read it sooner!

    1. Sheri Dye

      Like chocolate or wine, it can be enjoyed at any time! 😂

  6. hgamma

    Mein ganzes Leben
    war ich mit
    meine eigenen Füssen
    auf Mutte Erde

    und Deine Augen
    das Salz
    Deiner Tränen
    die ich nie
    mit meinen Küssen
    gekostet hab

    im Nachhall
    Deiner Worte Mund

    viele Nächte
    danach kommt es
    in mir
    vor meinem
    inneren Auge
    noch heute
    zur Begegnung

    1. Sheri Dye

      That is beautiful. Das ist schön. ❤
      (I hope I said that correctly!)

      1. hgamma

        Guten Abend Sheri Dye

        Ja, ich habe Sie richtig verstanden.

        Herzliche Grüße
        Hans Gamma

        1. Sheri Dye

          I’m so glad! Ich bin.. so froh?
          Danke! 🌹

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